Are there any other photo’s of this gent in uniform? One showing a Brevet would be ideal. Just the two medals from the medal office rings a discordant note as does the Air Gunner flying Spitfires story. The absence of the 1939 – 1945 Star might indicate that he had not completed the six months service required before the ending of the war on 15th August 1945.
Could do with a bit more to go on really.
Regards,
kev35